Len Cunningham has done much to earn the distinction of our first featured Royal Star angler of the month. Finally achieving the goal of capturing his first three hundred pound yellowfin tuna in January 2011, Len has spent many days pursuing the opportunity on Royal Star during the past ten years.

Len is a consummate fisherman applying his love for this sport with a passion his seventy nine years handily betrays. He is tireless and unstoppable often outlasting, and out fishing, fellow anglers half his age.

It takes more than just fishing to make an accomplished angler in long range fishing however. One must be amenable and sincere appreciating the value of sharing the experience with fellow anglers. In this respect Len shares his impeccable manner as an example to admire and follow.

Finally, although I could write pages about Len and his many incredible exploits on Royal Star, the apex of Len's honorable qualities is his loyal support of the Royal Star tagging projects since 2001 that have established an identity of stewardship and responsibility for our operation in the sport fishing world. Len is the first Royal Star angler to eagerly support the tag and release component of these projects recognizing the value of such opportunities for our fishery and future generations. Far from a tree hugging zealot, Len is the first one to retain a fish for consumption when the occasion arises. He is equally pleased however to slide a tuna carrying a tag back over the side content with the victory on equal terms.

As an exemplary long range angler in every respect, we are honored to feature Len Cunningham as the first Royal Star angler of the month. Len is pictured with his recent 305 pound yellowfin tuna as well as a fine 240 pound tagged Socorro Island yellowfin tuna, and yours truly, just prior to release.

Tim Ekstrom